Military expert, retired major of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexey Getman explained why the Russian occupation forces do not destroy Selydove as they do with other cities in the Donetsk region — Avdiivka, Bakhmut, and Soledar.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over seven years now, with no end in sight. The Russian-backed separatists have been waging a brutal war against the Ukrainian government, resulting in thousands of casualties and displacing millions of people. The cities and towns in the Donetsk region have been the main targets of the occupation forces, with many of them being completely destroyed. However, one city has managed to escape the same fate — Selydove.
Selydove, a small industrial city located in the Donetsk region, has been under the control of the Ukrainian government since the beginning of the conflict. Despite being surrounded by the Russian-backed separatists, the city has remained relatively untouched. This has raised questions as to why the occupation forces have not targeted Selydove like they have with other cities in the region.
In an interview with the National Bank of News, military expert Alexey Getman shed some light on this issue. According to Getman, the reason why Selydove has not been destroyed is that it is strategically located. «Selydove is situated on a high ground, which gives the Ukrainian army a significant advantage in terms of defense. It also serves as a supply route for the Ukrainian troops, making it a crucial point for the government forces,» explained Getman.
Moreover, Selydove is home to several industrial facilities that are vital for the Ukrainian economy. The city has a coal mine, a power plant, and a chemical plant, which provide jobs and contribute to the country’s GDP. Destroying these facilities would not only harm the Ukrainian economy but also create a humanitarian crisis for the residents of Selydove.
Another reason why Selydove has not been targeted by the occupation forces is the presence of a large number of civilians. Unlike other cities in the region, Selydove has a significant population of over 20,000 people. The Russian-backed separatists have been known to use civilians as human shields, and attacking Selydove would result in a high number of civilian casualties. This would not only damage the reputation of the occupation forces but also draw international condemnation.
Furthermore, Selydove has a strong Ukrainian identity, with most of its residents being loyal to the government. The city has a long history of resistance against the Russian occupation, and its residents have shown their support for the Ukrainian army. This has made it difficult for the occupation forces to gain control of the city, let alone destroy it.
In conclusion, the strategic location, economic importance, civilian population, and strong Ukrainian identity of Selydove have all contributed to the city’s survival in the midst of the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian government has also taken measures to protect the city, such as deploying additional troops and providing humanitarian aid to its residents. As the conflict continues, it is crucial to remember the resilience of cities like Selydove and the sacrifices made by its residents in the face of aggression.
